How long do you give Andy Burnham as PM?

[AndyBurnham2L]

Build ‘em up.
Knock ‘em down.

Short honeymoon and then the grumbling will start. It will all be over for him by Christmas.

So, who’s next?

I agree, It is unfair. We should go back to an assisted place scheme and open more grammar schools.

Opening new grammar schools is an excellent suggestion.

Oh the politics of envy.

That was scuppered by the last government who proposed it, Theresa May's. By the time it got to the Queen's Speech they came up with the list below. It is the last proposal that is back in the headlines:

A Department for Education source said that the Queen's Speech was an unambiguous decision not to go ahead with creating more grammar schools.

No new grammar schools
Plans dropped to stop free lunches for all infants
No legislation announced for education
School funding plans to be put forward at a later date
Changes to how individual school budgets are allocated will go ahead
Technical education to be upgraded
(BBC, 21 June 2017)

Open opportunity for Burnham’s government then.

It’s interesting you say that because I’m not in the least envious of someone who has a considerable income but can’t muster up any compassion for “pound shop mums” and their children. I think that’s rather sad.

My compassion ended through seeing the joy and delight from a spiteful nation at record numbers of private schools shutting and +400000 kids needing to find new schools. If you have no compassion for my kids why should I give a fuck about your kids?

Your kids are fine you said. Children who have to leave private education can go to state schools, they will be fine too.

Your rhetoric about people on benefits is beyond vile.

Maybe that is the real politics of envy?

I can assure you, many people share my views about welfare and the absolute disgrace it has become.

Our local state school offers Latin.

He will go for an election next year - and will win it.

You think Burnhans is lying when he has ruled it out?

I am sure they do.

That doesn't mean your comments are acceptable.

https://archive.ph/VwEz3

It’s not just VAT. And according to your paper of preference, the FT, the number of pupils has fallen by 20,000. That’s 380,000 less than you think.

https://archive.ph/syBvr

Numbers aren't PinkFruitbat's strong point

Neither are facts.

Interesting - is it a grammar school? I thought our local one still did but it has replaced it with Civilizations (not sure what that constitutes).

This is an interesting take - from a journalist who is featured in The Times:

“The pious posturing of public schools has little to do with aiding the disadvantaged and lots to do with furthering the interests of the wealthy.” – School Information System

For anyone who wants to read the whole article.

https://archive.ph/fvmZU

Oops - that was a typo - 40k

Still wrong according to the FT.

That 20k figure is for the first full year for England only.

I’d need to double check but the 40k estimate is for the whole of the UK and includes the full timeframe it has been imposed.

Go on then. Go and check and link to your findings, please.

I agree and the sad thing is so much bitterness towards the most vulnerable in society. I earn no where near as much as posters on this thread but I don’t feel anywhere near as much bitterness towards others.
I was capable of bringing up two ND children, navigating the state system and ensuring they had a brilliant education while still being able to feel compassion for those less fortunate. I have no envy only pity.

No it's academy though.

https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-pupils-and-their-characteristics/2025-26#dataBlock-8fe54834-8018-4cea-8c7f-e2f30ab77dee-tables

24/25 - 593,486
25/26 - 582,477
26/27 - 560,255

A drop of 33k since VAT introduced. This is for England only, and does not include Wales, Scotland and NI.